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De Blasio Reacts To Staffer's Romantic Ties To Spitzer

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - New York City Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio has responded to a scandal involving one of his aides and former Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

As WCBS 880's Monica Miller reported, the mayor-elect is sharing the media spotlight with his spokesperson, Lis Smith, who has been seen romantically with the former governor.

De Blasio said it isn't a distraction to his transition to City Hall.

"I respect Lis as a professional but I also respect her right to privacy," said de Blasio. "I think I'm getting my message out just fine."

De Blasio Reacts To Staffer's Romantic Ties To Spitzer

Smith, 31, and Spitzer met when she served as his press secretary during his failed primary run for city comptroller.

Spitzer, 54, had to resign as governor in 2008 after it was revealed he was "Client 9" in a high-priced call girl ring. He is still married but has been living separately from his wife.

De Blasio said he has not decided if he'll keep Smith on.

"With all of the folks who are being looked at and are going to be considered, when time comes we'll have an announcement about everybody," said the mayor-elect.

The Spitzer camp released a statement Sunday night, reading, "Lis Smith is a friend of Eliot's and he holds her in high regard."

Spitzer lost the Democratic primary for comptroller to Scott Stringer. Stringer went on to win the general election and will take on the title of comptroller in the new year.

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